Everyone says it's easy to go from frugal to extravagant, but hard to go from extravagant to frugal.
Nan Rui was once a prominent prince in the Great Shun Dynasty. If he hid his identity and stayed in the northwest, he would be just an ordinary person.
Even if he had plenty of money, could he really get used to living a simple life like the common people?
Could it be that he didn't enjoy the scheming and plotting in the royal court?
No matter what, it was Nan Rui's own business and had nothing to do with them.
"Alright, if anything comes up I'll ask Master Mo Jiuye to help you."
As he finished speaking, He Zhiran immediately turned and walked towards the door.
Mo Jiuye quickly followed.
"I'll walk the master out."
Nan Rui also wanted to go, but looked back at the still unconscious Imperial Concubine on the bed before following them.
How could He Zhiran let Nan Rui come along?
"Prince Rui, please stay behind. This old man has some matters to discuss with Master Jiu."
Since he put it that way, it would be improper for Nan Rui to insist on following.
"If that's the case, I won't see you off. Have a safe journey."
His polite attitude made He Zhiran momentarily feel that this was no prince at all, but a gentle and refined scholar.
But then again, Nan Rui's image at court had always been that of a literary man absorbed in poetry and prose.
Seeing Nan Rui turn back to the Imperial Concubine's bedside, He Zhiran and Mo Jiuye left one after the other.
Once they reached the foot of the mountain where no one was around, they slipped into the space.
He Zhiran changed back into his original attire before returning home with Mo Jiuye.
The two of them had been out for a whole day and night, worrying old Mrs. Mo sick.
She even cursed her foolish ninth son several times. His wife was pregnant, a delicate condition, yet he still went out to undo a curse, and was gone for so long!
Even if it was just for show to find someone for Nan Rui, he shouldn't have stayed out overnight as a healthy young man. How could a pregnant woman endure it?
Just as old Mrs. Mo was getting more and more upset, the two people she had just complained about came back hand in hand.
The moment old Mrs. Mo saw He Zhiran, half her anger dissipated.
She hurried forward, first shooting Mo Jiuye a fierce glare.
Mo Jiuye was of course very familiar with his old mother's looks - she was warning him that she would deal with him later...
But very soon, old Mrs. Mo's expression became extremely gentle.
She looked He Zhiran up and down and, seeing nothing wrong with her, finally relaxed.
"Jiuye, hurry and take your wife back to rest."
He Zhiran knew her mother-in-law was worried about her, so she explained on Mo Jiuye's behalf, "Mother, my husband took good care of me. Nothing happened, please don't worry about me."
Old Mrs. Mo's tone was much gentler with her daughter-in-law.
"That's good as long as you're alright. Ever since you married into the Mo family you haven't had an easy time - either traveling around destitute or helping search for your elders.
Now that things are finally settled, and you're expecting the Mo family's only grandchild, yet this boy still doesn't know to cherish his wife and took you out overnight."
In old Mrs. Mo's mind, her son had to be a pillar when outside, and a loving husband and father at home. And now his wife had just gotten pregnant, helping the Imperial Concubine detox was unavoidable, but this wretched son didn't know to take care of his wife at all!
He Zhiran knew her mother-in-law was eager for a grandson, but she and Mo Jiuye had rested in the space - the most suitable place for nurturing a child and extremely comfortable.
She continued to make excuses for Mo Jiuye with a smile, "Mother, my husband took great care of me. Also, I have good news to tell you - I'm expecting twins this time! When they're born, whether they're boys or girls, you can hold two grandchildren at once."
She spoke lightly, but it made old Mrs. Mo and Mo Jiuye equally nervous. Twins could easily threaten the mother's life...
"You said you're having twins?"
At this moment old Mrs. Mo could only hope she had misheard.
But Mo Jiuye shattered her fantasy.
"Mother, it really is twins. We've had it confirmed by a doctor."
Old Mrs. Mo was dumbstruck, staring at He Zhiran's belly for a long time unable to utter a word.
She thought that she'd rather the Mo family have no heir than let such a good daughter-in-law be in danger.
"This child..." can't be kept.
Old Mrs. Mo didn't finish her sentence before He Zhiran interrupted her.
"Mother, I'm a doctor myself. I guarantee I can safely deliver both children."
He Zhiran knew that her mother-in-law, like Mo Jiuye at first, was worried about any danger to her.
Mo Jiuye knew his mother was also concerned for He Zhiran's safety. Since he had already promised his wife to keep the children, he had to stand united with her.
"Mother, He Zhiran says she has a way to safely give birth. We have to believe her."
Seeing her foolish son still thinking so naively, old Mrs. Mo almost wanted to punch him.
Just as the mother-in-law was about to lose her temper at her son-in-law, He Zhiran quickly stepped forward.
Old Mrs. Mo's outstretched hand froze in midair before falling back to her side.
"Listen to me this time. You can always have more children later, but I can't let such a good daughter-in-law be in danger."
Seeing this, He Zhiran could only patiently explain,
"Mother, trust me. I know a medical technique. Even if delivery is difficult, don't worry. I guarantee the safety of both mother and children."
Old Mrs. Mo was stunned for a moment, then asked, "You're sure you won't be in danger?"
Although she didn't know what medical technique her daughter-in-law was referring to, she was clearly aware He Zhiran was capable.
After thinking it over, she finally decided to trust her capable daughter-in-law regarding the children.
"Alright then. Mother won't worry any more. You must protect yourself well."
"I understand, Mother. Not only will I protect myself, I will protect your grandchildren as well," He Zhiran said with a playful smile.
Seeing this, old Mrs. Mo's taut expression also gradually relaxed.
She urged Mo Jiuye, "Quickly take your wife back to rest. You're a grown man yet don't even know how to take care of your wife."
Mo Jiuye now felt as if he had received an imperial pardon. He nodded vigorously, "Mother, I'll take He Zhiran back to rest right away."
With that said, he pulled He Zhiran towards their room without looking back - afraid that if he walked too slowly his mother's piercing gaze would stab him...
Old Mrs. Mo took a deep breath and returned to her own room.
At dinner that night, He Zhiran realized the news that she was expecting twins had spread to the whole family. Her sisters-in-law were as concerned as her mother-in-law, treating her like an animal needing special protection. They directly handed her her bowl and chopsticks, as if afraid any big movements would harm the children.
This enthusiasm made He Zhiran a little overwhelmed, and she kept thanking her sisters-in-law.
Seeing this, old Mrs. Mo also knew she felt uncomfortable with all the attention, and saw her daughters-in-law were still piling food onto He Zhiran's plate. She quickly spoke up, "You girls are too enthusiastic."
